If you could change one thing what would it be?
More encouragement for teenagers to stick with their event. Everyone talks about the Olympic “legacy” but it is a serious issue. Young talent may be taking up the sport now but will they stick with it in their teenage years? The threat is from other sports such as football and rugby. One worrying trend is the closure of training facilities. The fact that Don Valley Stadium, where Ennis-Hill learnt to be a champion, will close this year does not augur well.
What does the future hold for British athletics?
I would not expect too much from the World Championships largely because of injury but there is every chance that Team GB can emulate the achievements of London 2012 when the Brazil Olympics take place in 2016. Six medals is certainly reachable.
My top five British athletes
Daley Thompson 1980-84 Won consecutive Olympic decathlon golds, broke four world records. Enough said.
Mo Farah 2012-present Unquestionably our greatest ever distance runner.
Paula Radcliffe 2003-05 Although unfulfilled on the Olympic stage her marathon world record is one of athletics’ great feats.
Dame Kelly Holmes 2002-04 After years of injury her perseverance paid off with a spectacular Olympic double in 2004.
Lord Coe 1980-84 He led the golden generation of the 1980s. And then he led the country into that golden summer of 2012.
CRICKET - Derek Pringle
When was English cricket’s finest period?
From experience rather than from historical tracts, England’s march to No?1 in the Test rankings, a journey that spanned 2009-2011 and included Ashes wins home and away. Before that, the period between 1953-56 was probably England’s most dominant, with players like Len Hutton, Fred Trueman and Godfrey Evans in the team.
How does this period compare?
Very similar but not as consistent. Alastair Cook does not yet have the experience of Andrew Strauss, his predecessor as captain, while there is no all-rounder to match Andrew Flintoff. On the plus side, even more money is being spent by the England and Wales Cricket Board on developing and improving the team, a system that has thrown up Joe Root.
If you could change one thing what would it be?
Play fewer matches across all formats, but that is not going to happen as the only way a TV deal can be improved is to offer the broadcaster more cricket. Possibly, I am in a minority of one, but the expectation of a big sporting event is almost as exciting as the action itself, but both need to be savoured not gobbled down and quickly digested ready for the next one. That exquisite feeling of lengthy anticipation is being lost.
What does the future hold for English cricket?
The future looks reasonably healthy for English and Welsh cricket but you cannot tell with any certainty beyond about five years. Just look how quickly and how far Australia have slumped in that time frame. After the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the ECB is reasonably wealthy with a focus on youth development, so any excellence should persist for a while.
My top five English cricketers
Sir Ian Botham 1977-92 The first cricketer to have rock and roll appeal and sample its accoutrements.
Fred Trueman 1952-65 Best pace bowler of his era and as big a character off the pitch as on.
Keith Fletcher 1968-1981 A county captain without compare, overseeing most of Essex’s run of success between 1979 and 1992.
James Anderson 2002 The complete pace bowler able to swing, seam or cut the ball at will. Poised to become England’s highest wicket taker in Tests.
Graham Gooch 1975-95 England’s batting coach but still the man his protégés are trying to beat, in terms of Test runs for England.
CYCLING - Ian Chadband
When was Britain’s finest period in cycling?
In terms of achievement, there was a plethora of fine champions in the Sixties and early Seventies on the road and the track, like Tommy Simpson, the road hero who became the first cyclist to win the BBC Sports Personality award, world pursuit champion Hugh Porter, multiple Tour de France stage winner Barry Hoban and world champion Beryl Burton.
How does this period compare?
We have never had it so good as this past decade, with achievement eclipsing anything that has gone before, with British track riders dominating the Olympics and a nation now being able to boast three champion road racers who could adorn any era and a home-based team, Sky, who are revolutionising the pro circuit.
If you could change one thing what would it be?
It is now time for an increasingly cycling-knowledgable public to enjoy more live TV coverage of events, beyond the international championships now that the sport is beginning to capture so many people’s imaginations. It is gradually happening but only the other week, a thrilling national road race championship, won by Mark Cavendish, was not shown live. A real shame.
What does the future hold for British cycling?
It could hardly look more rosy. Two Tour champions rolling up the Champs Élysées like London buses, the world’s greatest road sprinter, Olympic winners galore, hopefully a sport that is gradually and hopefully cleansing itself of its darkest days and a new fellow in yellow who the sport is pinning its hopes upon.
My top five cyclists
Sir Bradley Wiggins 2010-12 The first to reach the absolute pinnacle, the Tour winner, must have his golden throne.
Sir Chris Hoy 2004-12 The track sprint king became the ultimate golden winner in London 2012.
Mark Cavendish 2008-13 Former world champion and perhaps the greatest sprinter in the sport’s annals.
Tommy Simpson 1963-67 Hero of the 60s who tragically perished on Mont Ventoux.
Chris Froome 2012 Our second Tour winner. He could end up at the top of the list.
FOOTBALL - Jim White
When was British football’s finest period?
Football on these shores is increasingly divided between club and country. Club football – financially muscular and dispatched around the globe – is in the ascendant, enjoying its apex in 2008 when three English teams competed in the Champions League semi-finals. The England team’s golden era – between 1966 and 1970 – is a sadly depleted, fading memory.
How does this period compare?
Not well. In 1970 England travelled to the World Cup finals in Mexico as one of the favourites; they will be lucky to qualify for Brazil 2014. That is some decline. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland show similar shrinkage in their international status, all of the sides damaged by the rapacious growth of imported players into the domestic club game.
If you could change one thing what would it be?
The coaching of youngsters. Remove the insatiable urge for results, and nurturing a love of the ball in every child. If we brought coaching up to the standard of our international rivals, we would not need to worry about the import of foreign players: if the talent was here, every club would shop at home.
What does the future hold for British football?
The immediate future is alarming. Whatever their failure internationally, the retirement of the golden generation has exposed the dearth of talent coming through: England is bereft of world-class performers. The only hope is that the expensive investment in club academies finally develops a generation of technically sound, ambitious footballers.
My top five English teams
Liverpool 1974-77 Bill Shankly’s great side, domestically untouchable, almost as unassailable in Europe.
Liverpool 1986-90 Skill, athleticism and machine-like efficiency in one gilded package.
Manchester United 1993-94 Brilliant, forceful, dynamic, the ideal amalgam of grace and spite.
Arsenal 2003-2005 Arsène Wenger’s purring outfit unbeaten in the league for more than a season.
Manchester United 2007-09 Sir Alex Ferguson’s finest, the vivid mix of bought-in expertise and home-reared guile.
GOLF - James Corrigan
When was Britain’s finest period in golf?
In terms of majors won and world domination it is hard to get past “The Great Triumvirate” who comprised Harry Vardon, J?H Taylor and James Braid at the turn of the 20th century. They won 16 of the 21 Opens held between 1894 and 1914. Vardon also won the US Open.
How does this period compare?
Of course, it is difficult to compare because it is a global game. But in the modern age this era certainly bears comparison with the late Eighties, early Nineties when Sandy Lyle, Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam won eight majors between them in a five-year stretch. There seems to be greater strength in depth now but the major victories are not arriving in the same numbers.
If you could change one thing what would it be?
The obvious alteration would be for clubs such as Muirfield and Sandwich, which host the Open, to admit female members. There are not many single-sex clubs left, but the R&A should accept that they help perpetutate the myth that golf is elitist. They should not host Britain’s major.
What does the future hold for British golf?
In the likes of Matt Fitzpatrick, the 18-year-old who won the leading amateur honours, we saw at the Open that the conveyor belt of talent continues. The grass roots have never been stronger. America might be their ultimate destination but they will ensure Britain remains a powerhouse.
My top five British golfers
Sir Nick Faldo 80s & 90s Won three Opens, three Masters and was the world’s best player over a long spell.
Harry Vardon 1890s-1920s Golf’s first superstar. He won a record six Opens as well as a US Open.
Sir Henry Cotton 1930s-40s Great character whose three Opens flanked World War II.
Tony Jacklin 1960s-70s This pioneer won the Open and, more impressively, the US Open.
Sandy Lyle 1980s-90s Great natural talent who won an Open and a Masters.
MOTOR RACING - Tom Cary
When was Britain’s finest period in F1?
The Eighties and early Nineties are generally considered the sport’s golden age, and Nigel Mansell’s battles with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost would have to rank up there. But for British success, it has to be the Swinging Sixties, with Graham Hill, Jim Clark, John Surtees and Jackie Stewart all claiming titles.
How does this period compare?
Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are both champions. But the former is now struggling to live up to his potential and the latter looks unlikely to do so again. Red Bull, based in Milton Keynes and masterminded by Brits (albeit financed from Austria) sweep all before them.
If you could change one thing what would it be?
The return of Williams to the top of the Formula One pile after years in the wilderness. A more equitable division of the spoils from the commercial rights holder to ensure that smaller teams can compete and the best drivers are hired rather than those with the most sponsorship.
What does the future hold for British F1?
Britain is at the epicentre of motor racing, and particularly of Formula One, with eight of the 11 teams based in the UK. Motorsport is one of British business’s greatest success stories. The future is bright, although it is about to head into a period of major change.
My top five British drivers
Jim Clark 1960-68 By all accounts a demi-God. Speedy, smooth and Scottish.
Sir Jackie Stewart 1965-1973 Three-time world champion. Legend. Pioneer for safety.
Sir Stirling Moss 1951-1961 “Who do you think you are? Stirling Moss?” Enough said.
Nigel Mansell 1980-1995 A genuine superstar. Courageous, quick and good copy.
Lewis Hamilton 2007 Arguably as quick as anyone. Raw potential is right up there.
RUGBY UNION - Mick Cleary
When was Britain’s finest period for rugby?
If you are Welsh, the Seventies, English, the early part of the century culminating in the 2003 World Cup win, and if you are Scottish or Irish, well there is always the Lions. Their appeal will never fade. To be in Sydney a few weeks ago was to be reminded forcibly of that.
How does this period compare?
The signs are encouraging. Wales have genuine aspirations for the 2015 Rugby World Cup while England are an emerging force with a crop of youngsters coming through. The All Blacks may not yet be trembling but they are watching.
If you could change one thing what would it be?
A more meritocratic Heineken Cup would improve things – but it must still cover all the Six Nations. Also, the game must sort out the scrummage. The Lions showed what a powerful tool it can be, and should be, but there is still too much pfaffing about as the scrum is set... and reset... and again. It will drive people away.
What does the future hold for British rugby?
Wales are kingpins, tilting to go one better than in 2011 and reach the 2015 RWC final. England coming up on the rails means the Lions have good prospects for 2017 in New Zealand.
My top five British rugby teams
1974 Lions Almost the Invincibles in South Africa, winning 21 matches and drawing the last Test.
1971 Lions The team that turned the rugby world on its head, the Lions' only series success in New Zealand.
2003 England World Cup winners with victory over Australia their 12th in succession over the southern hemisphere dating back to 2000.
Bath 1984-98 One Heineken Cup title, six Premiership and 10 cup wins. Peerless.
Leinster 2009-12 Three Heineken titles in four years, they ruled Europe.
TENNIS - Simon Briggs
When was British tennis’s finest period?
Probably the mid-Seventies, when Virginia Wade and Sue Barker were winning grand slams, and John Lloyd reached the final of the Australian Open. You could go back to the Fred Perry era (1930s) and before, but tennis was only played seriously among four nations until the post-war period.
How does this period compare?
It is up there. Andy Murray is arguably the finest tennis player that Britain has produced. Among the emerging women, Heather Watson is a battler and Laura Robson looks to be developing into a genuine contender. The weak spot is the absence of any British men other than Murray in most grand slam draws.
If you could change one thing what would it be?
A revitalised Lawn Tennis Association – renamed as just British Tennis – would take advantage of Murray’s triumphs by rolling out development initiatives with imagination and energy, rather than hiding behind those forbidding Roehampton gates. Tennis still needs to rid itself of its elitist image, and create a more co-operative national culture.
What does the future hold for British tennis?
Off the court, Roger Draper’s imminent departure offers the LTA a chance to reform itself. On it, we look to have a future top 50 player in 18-year-old Kyle Edmund. But there are some bare patches in the junior ranks, and it could be several generations before Britain produces another player with Murray’s all-round gifts.
My top five British tennis players
Fred Perry 1930s Unbeatable until he turned professional towards the end of 1936.
Andy Murray 2012-13 Has already won two grand slams with the power to add to them.
Virginia Wade 1970s Won all three major finals that she played in, the last at Wimbledon in 1977.
Ann Jones 1960s Twice won Wimbledon, beating Billie Jean King in the final both times.
Angela Mortimer 1950s Another three-time grand slam winner who became world No?1 in 1961.
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